Cricket: Australian charge ignited by Taylor

Monday 14 December 1992 00:02 BST

Click to followThe Independent Online

MARK TAYLOR, standing in as captain for Allan Border, who has a hamstring injury, led Australia to the top of the World Series Cup table with an emphatic eight- wicket victory over Pakistan in Adelaide yesterday.

In the process, Taylor won his second man of the match award in three games since taking over the captaincy. Opening the innings, he made 78 as Australia reached Pakistan's total of 195 for 6 with two overs to spare after morning showers had reduced the game to 47 overs a side.

The game provided a stark contrast to last Thursday's tied match in Hobart, where Asif Mutjaba saw Pakistan home by dispatching Steve Waugh's final delivery for six.

Here, Australia were in control, David Boon making 40 and Dean Jones an unbeaten 48. Wasim Akram, who earlier scored 36 off 15 deliveries, had less joy with the ball. He failed to take a wicket in nine overs and conceded 39 runs.

It was a poor weekend in Adelaide for Pakistan, who on Saturday lost to the West Indies, while Australia's win yesterday makes them the favourites for the tournament.